I write book reviews for all types of books. Mainly, mystery/thriller, Contemporary and Historical fiction, Biography/Memoir and True Crime, and a little Romance, too!

Flashback Friday

Flashback Friday

Spices & Seasons

Spices & Seasons

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

So Good by Darcy Burke- Blog Tour- Review + Giveaway

Meet Darcy:

Darcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of hot, action-packed historical and sexy, emotional contemporary romance. A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, and three Bengal cats. Visit Darcy online at www.darcyburke.com and sign up for her newsletter, follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/darcyburke, or like her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/DarcyBurkeFans.

About the Book:

Cameron Westcott has spent eight years recovering from heartbreak by keeping romantic entanglements casual and simple. He’s never minded being called a manwhore, but after two years immersing himself in his new winery, he might be ready for the next chapter. Especially when he meets a sexy wine distributor—only she says she isn’t interested.

Following a bitter divorce, Brooke Ellis relocated to Ribbon Ridge to rebuild her life. Things will never be the same for her, and she’s coming to terms with that reality when she meets charming, persistent Cam. She can’t imagine a happy ever after given his reputation, but he makes her feel so good.

As the sparks between them intensify, they’re both hesitant to commit for very different reasons. Or are they really just sabotaging their own futures? If they can trust each other—and themselves—they may realize that what they share is too good to let slip away.

EXCERPT:

“I’m
hoping we can be friends. Maybe if we focused on doing friend things,
the…uh, the attraction between us might fade.” He nearly laughed
at how stupid that sounded.

She
arched a brow at him, and her expression seemed to echo his thoughts.
“You really think that will work?”

“Hey,
it’s worth trying.” He cocked his head to the side. “What do
you
suggest?”

She
hesitated a moment before saying, “Finding someone else at Columbia
to take your account.”

So
they could pursue a romantic relationship? The rampant desire he was
trying so hard to rein in pulsed through him.

She
dropped her arms, and her brow furrowed. “But I hate to do that.
This is a good account.”

He
didn’t really want her to do that either. She was great, and the
business part of his brain didn’t want to lose her. “So back to
my friend idea, then.” Which sounded even more unappealing than it
had two minutes ago.

She
laid her palm flat on the counter and seemed to study the granite.
“It’s not a no. I just don’t know how it will work.” She
darted him a glance. “I do like you. As a friend.”

He
edged closer and uncrossed his arms. He mimicked her, putting his
hand on the counter so that their fingers were maybe a foot apart. “I
like you too. A little more than as a friend, but I’ll take what I
can get.”

She
straightened and looked at him, her blue-green eyes sharp and
beautiful. “Maybe we should just get this out of our systems. I
know you’re worried about us working together, but it’s sort of
not going all that great right now anyway, is it?”

Their
communication had become stilted, and even though she was still doing
a great job, things were awkward. All in all, she had a fair point.
But was she serious about the getting-it-out-of-their-systems part?
He couldn’t tell.

He
offered a self-deprecating smile. “I was trying to be a gentleman.
And look where that got me.”

She
laughed softly, and her eyes lit. She was so pretty. He ached to
touch her.

“I
appreciate you trying to do that—really. Even if I was pissed at
first. But it’s good. You’ve actually encouraged me to get back
out there. My mom and sister are setting me up on a blind date.”

She
could’ve kicked him square in the balls, and it might’ve had less
of an impact. His chest tightened, and his insides swirled with
turmoil. Apparently, she hadn’t been serious about getting their
mutual attraction out of their systems. “Well, that’s progress, I
guess,” he said tightly. He stalled the incremental movement of his
hand—which he’d been only partially aware of—on the counter.

Her
eyes narrowed slightly and only for a second, as if she’d caught
the nuance of his reaction. Shit, maybe it wasn’t that nuanced.
Maybe his face screamed his envy. Time to get the hell out of there.
“So let’s try the friend thing, then. I’m confident we can do
it. You can even tell me all about your date when I see you next.”
He forced a smile before turning and starting from the kitchen toward
the door.

He
turned, his fingers twining through hers. “Friends don’t do a lot
of things. Like think about how they want to toss the other one on
the counter and screw them senseless.”

Her
eyes widened and immediately darkened with desire. “See, I told you
we should just get it out of our systems. I bet that’s all it would
take.”

She
was
serious. “That’s a line I would use. You’re killing me with
it.”

She
lifted a shoulder and ran her thumb along his palm. “Maybe it’s
fun to play the player.”

The
sexy lilt of her voice and the seductive glint in her gaze completely
destroyed whatever willpower he’d been clinging to. He clasped her
waist and spun her around so that her back was up against the fridge.
She gasped softly, but her eyes slitted as he pushed his body into
hers.

He
massaged her waist and brought her hand up, pinning it against the
stainless steel. He leaned in close and inhaled her spicy, floral
scent. She stared at him, her eyes daring him to take the next step.
He shouldn’t…he couldn’t…

So Good (Ribbon Ridge- Love on the Vine #1) by Darcy Burke is a 2016 publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This first book of a new series by Darcy Burke returns to Ribbon Ridge with a new cast of characters. The series opener lays a solid foundation for what is sure to be an outstanding arc for Ribbon Ridge fans.

This book started off with a light and flirty tone, with some pretty sharp banter, and saucy conversation between Cam and Brooke. There are some super charged sparks flying between these two, but when one zigs the other one zags. But, even when they seem to finally land on the same page, a sensitive issue for the couple and for their extended families could throw a wet blanket over everything.

The light and breezy tone that initially grabbed my attention slowly evolved into a very emotional story, that choked me up a little bit. Cam and Brooke both have issues to overcome, both needed a good talking to, on occasion, but overall, they are a dynamic couple, and it was fun to watch them go through the paces of their relationship, seeing them fall in love, and work through the obstacles in the way of their happily ever after.

Although my heart was heavy with sadness for Brooke, and I hated to see her feel such disappointment, Cam really won my heart, and boy did his character go through some changes! I loved watching him transform and step up to plate for Brooke, who deserves every good thing he has to offer.

Overall, I loved the small town setting, the winery, the family and friends that surrounded the couple, and the way the romance built to a crescendo, with just the right touch of drama and emotion. I can’t wait for book two in the series and hope there is an update on Cam and Brooke soon.

Edelweiss

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About Me

I am married with two grown children, I have two dogs and three cats, I collect vintage paperbacks, I read, and write reviews, blog, promote across social media. I am a top Amazon and Goodreads reviewer.

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